SpeechEasy Seeks Proposals For Future Research Studies

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In summary, the RFP solicits interested qualified institutions and/or individuals to conduct an efficacy or basic science research study regarding the use of SpeechEasy, or its associated technology. Priority is being given to proposals which address basic research on responses to perturbed auditory feedback in children between the ages of 8 and 18, including but not limited to speech fluency and its underlying acoustic and/or kinematic features. These studies are being created and supported in an effort to provide the company, the professional community and the public with information regarding the safety and long-term effectiveness of the SpeechEasy product and its technology.

Effect of Concurrent Behavioral Fluency Therapy Upon Stuttering Treatment Outcomes in Speakers who Use the SpeechEasy Device.

Greenville, NC (PRWEB)July 25, 2009

Janus Development Group (Janus), the providers of SpeechEasy, the nation's leading provider of portable speech fluency devices, has issued a Request For Proposals (RFP) for new research studies.

In summary, the RFP solicits interested qualified institutions and/or individuals to conduct an efficacy or basic science research study regarding the use of SpeechEasy, or its associated technology. Priority is being given to proposals which address basic research on responses to perturbed auditory feedback in children between the ages of 8 and 18, including but not limited to speech fluency and its underlying acoustic and/or kinematic features. These studies are being created and supported in an effort to provide the company, the professional community and the public with information regarding the safety and long-term effectiveness of the SpeechEasy product and its technology.

In November 2007, Janus assembled an independent research review panel to assist with the development of RFPs, the evaluation of the submitted proposals, and the selection of final grant recipients. The first RFP was created and publicized in July 2008, with Dr. Ken Logan from the University of Florida selected as the award recipient. Dr. Logan is currently initiating his research, entitled the "Effect of Concurrent Behavioral Fluency Therapy Upon Stuttering Treatment Outcomes in Speakers who Use the SpeechEasy Device."

"We believe that this research is critically needed, so that both clients and Speech-Language Pathologists can be provided with the most accurate and relevant information possible regarding our device," said Alan Newton, president of Janus. "We highly encourage any researchers with a background or experience in the field of fluency and fluency disorders to apply for this grant."

About SpeechEasy
SpeechEasy is a portable, fluency-enhancing device that helps a high percentage of people who stutter speak more fluently with less effort. In the US alone, over 7,000 people who stutter have been fitted with a SpeechEasy device since it was first made available to the public in June 2001. Similar to a hearing aid, SpeechEasy is worn in or around the ear. But rather than amplify sound, it alters the way the user hears his or her own voice - changing the pitch and delaying it slightly to trick the brain into hearing a second voice speaking in unison. Such "choral" speech can alleviate stuttering in varying degrees, depending on the individual. SpeechEasy was developed by a team of communication disorder researchers at East Carolina University, and is marketed exclusively by Janus Development Group. SpeechEasy devices are available via a network of state licensed, ASHA (American Speech Language Hearing Association)-certified speech language pathologists. More information about SpeechEasy is available at http://www.speecheasy.com.

For more information regarding SpeechEasy, its independent research review panel, or the associated RFP, contact Alan Newton, President, at 1-866-551-9042.